Nigerian police force have obtained the release of 20 students who were abducted on their way to a convention in the north-central state of Benue last week, according to the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
The victims had been medical and dental students who had been on their way to the southeastern state of Enugu, when they were kidnapped by armed gunmen.
The Nigerian police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi had posted on X:
“We confirm the release on Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue state.”
He further revealed that no ransom had been paid but rather they were “rescued tactically and professionally”.
In northern Nigeria, armed gangs have been running rife, kidnapping villagers, students and motorists for ransom and security forces have yet, been unable to curb this menace.